Few interior design elements are celebrated and appreciated as much as skylights. These windows to the sky allow warmth and sunlight to stream into homes all over the San Francisco Bay Area. There is a downside to skylights. That same sunlight and warmth can increase glare, affect cooling costs, and increase fading to your interior furnishings. Is there a way to enjoy skylights while minimizing their negative effects? The ClimatePro team has installed 3M window film on skylights all over the San Francisco Bay Area for over 40 years. In this post, we’ll share 8 of those projects and highlight the window films we’ve used.
Why Skylights Need Window Film
First, let’s talk about the three areas of concern: heat, glare, and fading. The sun’s heat enters your home through direct sunlight and infrared rays. Both can increase internal temperatures and make it harder to keep your home cool.
Glare is another issue the sun creates. It can make using devices like computers, phones, tablets, and televisions harder. In bathrooms, a popular place for skylights, the sun’s glare can make using mirrors challenging. Eyestrain caused by glare can affect long-term eyesight and has been known to cause headaches.
What about fading? The sun’s UV rays are powerful. They are strong enough to fade flooring and carpeting. The sun’s UV rays can greatly impact artwork, reducing colors and breaking down paint. They may be invisible, but UV rays can really cause damage.
3M Window Films are designed to tackle all 3 of these issues, making it a great choice for skylights. We’ve applied various films to skylights in kitchens, living rooms, bathrooms, and other places. The same films can be applied to office skylights.
Privacy, Comfort & Energy Savings For Your Home
Finding the Right Film for Your Skylights
The first step to finding the right 3M Window Film for your skylights is to work with a seasoned installation team like ClimatePro. During your free consultation, our estimators can help you to clearly identify your needs and then help you find the right window film solution.
3M Affinity Series – Budget-Friendly Heat Blocking
The 3M Affinity Series is a reflective film designed to perform well at a reasonable price. It is excellent for skylights that get direct sunlight all day since it blocks up to 79% of solar energy, helping to keep heat from building up in upper-floor rooms. Its mirrored surface also helps control glare and improves privacy from above. Additionally, it provides strong UV protection by blocking up to 99% of ultraviolet rays, reducing furniture and flooring fading from intense skylight exposure. The Affinity Series is a solid choice if you want an effective way to manage heat and glare in your home.
3M Prestige Series – Advanced Performance Without Darkening
If you’re a homeowner looking for outstanding performance without changing how your skylights look, the 3M Prestige Series is a perfect choice. This innovative window film blocks up to 97% of infrared heat but lets in natural light. Since it has no metal, it won’t interfere with your Wi-Fi or cellular signals, which is essential for smart homes. The Prestige Series keeps your glass clear, brightening your skylights and improving indoor comfort. It also blocks 99.9% of UV rays, protecting your artwork, furniture, and flooring from sun damage. This film is ideal for modern homes that want both style and performance.
3M Night Vision Series – Privacy and Comfort Combined
The 3M Night Vision Series is outstanding for skylights in bedrooms, bathrooms, or any upper-level room where you want privacy and control over heat. It blocks up to 71% of the sun’s heat while letting you see outside. The slightly tinted look helps reduce glare and keeps your space private during the day. With low reflectivity on the inside, you can enjoy a clear view of the sky even at sunset. Like all 3M films, it also offers strong UV protection, which helps protect your furnishings from fading.
3M Prestige Exterior Series – Built for Harsh Skylight Exposure
Skylights receive intense sunlight, so the 3M Prestige Exterior Series is designed to work well in these conditions. This film can be applied directly to skylight glass to provide quick benefits. 3M Prestige Exterior Series is designed to block up to 97% of infrared heat and 99.9% of UV rays, making it one of the best options for roof-mounted glass protection. You can choose from different visible light transmission levels to reduce glare without losing natural light. The Prestige Exterior Series is durable, weather-resistant, and perfect for glass that is hard to access from the inside.
| Film Series | Heat Rejection | UV Blockage | Glare Control | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Affinity (P18, 15) | ~79% | ~99% | ✔️ | Budget-friendly, efficient for skylights |
| Prestige (Residential) | Up to 97% IR | 99.9% | ✔️ | Crystal clear, non-metallic, high-performing |
| Night Vision | ~71% | High UV block | ✔️ | Privacy-enhancing and scratch-resistant |
| Prestige Exterior | Up to 97% IR | 99.9% | ✔️ | Outdoor-grade, customizable light levels |
ClimatePro: Skylight Window Film Pros
Are you looking for a reliable window film company to upgrade your skylights? The ClimatePro team is ready to get started. With over 40 years of experience, we are the highest-rated window film company in the area. Contact us today to receive a free estimate for your skylights by calling (707) 569-9098. Or get started online by clicking here.
Frequently Asked Questions About Window Film for Skylights
Q: Can window film reduce heat from skylights?
A: Yes. High-performance window films like the 3M Prestige Series and 3M Affinity Series are engineered to block a significant portion of infrared heat, keeping rooms cooler and reducing energy costs.
Q: Will adding film to a skylight make the room too dark?
A: No. Films such as the 3M Prestige Series are designed to block heat without reducing natural light. They maintain the room’s brightness while making it more comfortable.
Q: Is window film safe to use on skylights?
A: Yes, especially when installed by professionals. 3M window films are safe for use on skylights and are backed by warranties when installed by authorized dealers like ClimatePro.
Q: What’s the best film for privacy on skylights?
A: The 3M Night Vision Series offers heat reduction with added privacy during the day. It’s ideal for skylights in bathrooms or bedrooms where privacy is a concern.
Q: Can window film protect furniture from fading?
A: Absolutely. All recommended 3M films block up to 99% of harmful UV rays, helping to preserve furniture, flooring, and artwork from sun damage.
Q: What if my skylight is challenging to reach from inside?
A: The 3M Prestige Exterior Series is designed for exterior installation on skylights and other hard-to-access glass.
